Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Support Group
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), also known as acute myeloid leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells. Patients with AML usually present with symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding, infection, prompting medical attention. An abnormal blood test reading will then result in further testing in a hospital with a hematologist to determine AML.
Hi there
In other thread, we were "talking" about how we might find different approaches in diferent countries for AML treatment. I had a 2-round induction phase from the very beggining, even though I got remission in the first one. Heard that in some places its only 1 in those cases.
Well, I also want to comment that I didnt go to the hospital for my treatment. At first, my oncologyst talked about a 21-day hospitalization, but later he said that, under certain conditions, I might have chemo on ambulatory-basis. I dont know if it was because I was 49 and strong enough.
I had a little pump with chemo connected to the port on my chest. It had enough chemo for 2 days. I had to go to the hospital just for 1 hour to get the medication that went before (dexametasona, medication to prevent nausea, and another one) and then the pump was filled with chemo. When the 7-day round ended, I stayed home until I got fever due to inmunosupresion, and had to go and stay at the hospital until fever was gone and normal blood counts were reached again,
Thanks God ! I would have spend all my med insurance otherwise !
While in the 5th and 6th rounds (consolidation phases) I beg the doctor to let me recover from inmunosuppresion at home, having a trained nurse 24-hours-a day. I was mad because of who expensive the hospital was He said yes !
So, when I got fever (day 13-14 after chemo round started), some nurses came home and took care of me. They had 12-hour shifts. The oncologyst came home every 2 or 3 days. I only had to go to the hospital to get red cells and patlets transfusions, and it took some hours, didnt need to stay longer.
It was wonderful, if possible to say that. The doctor said it was better because hospitals are contaminated places. Remember I live in Central America. But the best is the feeling of being home.
In other thread, we were "talking" about how we might find different approaches in diferent countries for AML treatment. I had a 2-round induction phase from the very beggining, even though I got remission in the first one. Heard that in some places its only 1 in those cases.
Well, I also want to comment that I didnt go to the hospital for my treatment. At first, my oncologyst talked about a 21-day hospitalization, but later he said that, under certain conditions, I might have chemo on ambulatory-basis. I dont know if it was because I was 49 and strong enough.
I had a little pump with chemo connected to the port on my chest. It had enough chemo for 2 days. I had to go to the hospital just for 1 hour to get the medication that went before (dexametasona, medication to prevent nausea, and another one) and then the pump was filled with chemo. When the 7-day round ended, I stayed home until I got fever due to inmunosupresion, and had to go and stay at the hospital until fever was gone and normal blood counts were reached again,
Thanks God ! I would have spend all my med insurance otherwise !
While in the 5th and 6th rounds (consolidation phases) I beg the doctor to let me recover from inmunosuppresion at home, having a trained nurse 24-hours-a day. I was mad because of who expensive the hospital was He said yes !
So, when I got fever (day 13-14 after chemo round started), some nurses came home and took care of me. They had 12-hour shifts. The oncologyst came home every 2 or 3 days. I only had to go to the hospital to get red cells and patlets transfusions, and it took some hours, didnt need to stay longer.
It was wonderful, if possible to say that. The doctor said it was better because hospitals are contaminated places. Remember I live in Central America. But the best is the feeling of being home.
I had never heard of a leaukemia patient receiving chemo treatment at home.
I was 47 when diagnosed and one round of induction and 3 rounds of consolidation.All rounds were done in hospital.
For the induction round I was in hospital for approx 6 weeks then went home for about 1 week before I was in again for consolidation.
For the consolidation rounds I stayed in hospital for 1 week then went home but was re admitted with fevers for at least 1 week per round.
Whilst I was at home I had hospital nurses come to my home 3 times a week to take blood.
When I needed transfusions and I was at home I went to ambulatory care at my hospital.
In regards to cost of treatment and hospital care,I paid zero dollars.The only out of pocket expense i have is when I visit my specialist and I have a co payment of approx $100.All treatment had tests in hospital were covered by our medicare system.